Singer/actor Ali Zafar is upset over people age-shaming actress Mahira Khan in the 2025 summer blockbuster Love Guru. The renowned artist fiercely defended Mahira against the comments made by Dr. Omer Adil, a prominent orthopedic surgeon and film critic.
In a scathing YouTube review of the Eid-ul-Adha romantic comedy Love Guru, Dr. Adil criticized the film’s close-up shots of Mahira, claiming they highlighted her “wrinkles and age” despite makeup efforts, sparking widespread backlash.
Zafar’s passionate response not only called out Adil’s remarks but also condemned the broader culture of online shaming, resonating deeply with fans and celebrities alike.
In his review, Dr. Adil described Love Guru as a “mishmash” of Bollywood plots, criticizing its storyline and visuals while taking personal jabs at Mahira’s appearance. He noted “inconsistencies” like “cracked” lipstick and excessive close-ups that allegedly emphasized her age, remarks that many found unnecessarily harsh and irrelevant to the film’s quality.
The comments, which quickly went viral, drew ire for perpetuating ageism, particularly against women in the entertainment industry.
Ali Zafar, known for his outspoken advocacy, didn’t hold back. In an Instagram story, he wrote,
I just watched a clip where someone was shamed for their age. This isn’t just about age—it’s part of a larger trend where we shame people daily on social media.
He labeled such behavior a “psychological issue,” suggesting that critics like Adil project their insecurities onto others. “They mock someone’s age, looks, success, or confidence because it triggers something within them. Shaming is a defense mechanism to avoid self-reflection,” Zafar added, urging a shift away from toxic online culture.
Love Guru has become a box-office juggernaut this year and has been celebrated for its vibrant chemistry between Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed, witty dialogue by Vasay Chaudhary, and a stellar supporting cast, including Javed Sheikh and Ramsha Khan.
Despite Dr. Adil’s harsh critique, which labeled the film “cinematic rubbish,” audience reviews have largely been positive, with the movie breaking opening-day records in Pakistan.
